Body confident?

Esther Clark, 50, will start teaching English as a second language in September. Diagnosed in 2007 she had a lumpectomy, then a mastectomy and decided on immediate reconstruction. In 2009 she raised over $30,000 for Cancer Research UK posing body-painted for a calendar. She said:

'For me, having reconstruction at the same time as the double mastectomy was an easy decision. Doctors wanted me to take my time, but it took about 10 minutes. However, I found little information about the different types of implant available and doctors could not show me any photographs or examples so it was difficult to make an informed choice.'

'Searching the internet is a mistake as some of the information is terrifying. But I am very positive about the result. I got my shape back quickly, am in proportion and wear a bikini. I wanted to organize production of the calendar because after a difficult time obtaining a proper diagnosis, and then having to go through mastectomy, reconstruction and chemotherapy, I needed a focus, felt positive and believed that I had the strength to do anything.'